Tuesday 29 March 2011

WILLOW FEDGE

A Fedge is the name given to a willow trellis style hedge - part fence, part hedge. The willow cuttings are interwoven and tied to give a strong trellis structure that will form a barrier from a relatively early age. By planting at an angle new growth is encouraged along the length of the stem, rather than just at the top. The fedge below is double for extra strength and quicker growth, the purpose being to give a windbreak and shelter. New growth will be woven in to thicken the fedge.

Newly Planted WIllow Fedge

Thursday 17 March 2011

Tree Planting

Wishing I hadn't been so ambitious with the tree planting scheme now, lol. Roots are massive and ground is clay and flint. Large flints. Very large flints...   planting seems to be at the rate of about 2 hours per tree, plus recovery time between them!  If they don't grow I shall stop believing in fairies.

Friday 11 March 2011

Tree Planting

Took me all day to plant the largest tree today - a Victoria Plum.  Having removed it from Caddy by tying it the Plymouth Rocks shed and driving off, I decided to plant it in the spot where it had fallen! Ok - so I had little choice as I couldn't move it! The Plymouth Rocks seemed happy with the donation, anyway.

Wednesday 2 March 2011

Tree Planting

Two trips to Somerset, returning with poor old Caddy loaded down with freshly dug 6-8 year-old fruit trees. When the sun shines there is insufficient shade for birds and so these semi-mature trees will hopefully produce shade for them as well as fruit to eat and sell at the farm gate.